Herb & supplement monograph

Gamma-linolenic Acid (gla) Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

Medically reviewed by ·Updated July 2026
What is this page for?

First and foremost: how Gamma-linolenic Acid (gla) interacts with medications. The heart of this page is the interaction list — every drug Gamma-linolenic Acid (gla) is known to interact with, and how serious each one is.

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Gamma-linolenic Acid (gla) is, what people use it for and how strong the evidence is, its safety and side effects, and answers to the questions we’re asked most — written and reviewed by the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases, not medical advice, and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

Check Gamma-linolenic Acid (gla) against your medication

Add one medication
Gamma-linolenic Acid (gla)
+
Start typing any prescription or over-the-counter drug name.
Reviewed by licensed pharmacists Sourced from Natural Medicines
On this page

Gamma-linolenic Acid (gla) Drug Interactions: The Bottom Line

From the HelloPharmacist Editorial Team · Updated July 2026

Based on the available evidence, the overall risk of a clinically significant Gamma-linolenic Acid (gla) drug interaction appears low for most people. None of the listed interactions are rated major, and every one of them traces back to a single theoretical concern that has not been well documented in people.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The one area worth watching is bleeding risk. GLA may reduce how well platelets clump together, so combining it with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs, such as blood thinners, could in theory make bleeding more likely. This idea comes from animal studies and limited human research rather than clear evidence of harm in real patients, so it is a caution, not a proven danger. Even so, we think people on blood thinners deserve closer attention here, since these medicines have a narrow margin for error.

What the rest of the list means

Although the number of listed medications looks large, it reflects one theoretical mechanism applied across the whole family of blood-thinning drugs, not dozens of separate proven problems. A predicted effect on platelets in the lab does not always translate into a meaningful change in people, and for most other medications no interaction concern has been identified at all.

Check your medications against Gamma-linolenic Acid (gla)

Based on HelloPharmacist’s Gamma-linolenic Acid (gla) interaction data and reviewed under our editorial standards.

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Gamma-linolenic Acid (gla)

122 medications have a known interaction with Gamma-linolenic Acid (gla), graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.

2,830 drugs
AbciximabReoPro
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, GLA might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet rugs.

Read the full Gamma-linolenic Acid (gla) + Abciximab interaction
AbrocitinibCibinqo
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, GLA might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet rugs.

Read the full Gamma-linolenic Acid (gla) + Abrocitinib interaction Abrocitinib drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
AcenocoumarolSintrom
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, GLA might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet rugs.

Read the full Gamma-linolenic Acid (gla) + Acenocoumarol interaction
Acetaminophen, AspirinGemnisyn
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, GLA might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet rugs.

Read the full Gamma-linolenic Acid (gla) + Acetaminophen, Aspirin interaction
Acetaminophen, Aspirin, CaffeineExcedrin, Excedrin Extra Strength, Excedrin Migraine
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, GLA might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet rugs.

Read the full Gamma-linolenic Acid (gla) + Acetaminophen, Aspirin, Caffeine interaction
Acetaminophen, IbuprofenCombogesic
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, GLA might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet rugs.

Read the full Gamma-linolenic Acid (gla) + Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen interaction
Acetylsalicylic AcidEntrophen
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, GLA might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet rugs.

Read the full Gamma-linolenic Acid (gla) + Acetylsalicylic Acid interaction Acetylsalicylic Acid drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
Alteplase, TpaActilyse, Activase
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, GLA might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet rugs.

Read the full Gamma-linolenic Acid (gla) + Alteplase, Tpa interaction
Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium HydroxideAscriptin Codeine #2
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, GLA might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet rugs.

Read the full Gamma-linolenic Acid (gla) + Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium Hydroxide interaction
Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Magnesium HydroxideAscriptin
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, GLA might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet rugs.

Read the full Gamma-linolenic Acid (gla) + Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Magnesium Hydroxide interaction Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Magnesium Hydroxide drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
Anacaulase-bcdbNexoBrid
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, GLA might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet rugs.

Read the full Gamma-linolenic Acid (gla) + Anacaulase-bcdb interaction
AnagrelideAgrylin
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, GLA might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet rugs.

Read the full Gamma-linolenic Acid (gla) + Anagrelide interaction Anagrelide drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
AnisindioneMiradon
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, GLA might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet rugs.

Read the full Gamma-linolenic Acid (gla) + Anisindione interaction
Antithrombin IiiThrombate III
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, GLA might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet rugs.

Read the full Gamma-linolenic Acid (gla) + Antithrombin Iii interaction
ApixabanEliquis
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, GLA might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet rugs.

Read the full Gamma-linolenic Acid (gla) + Apixaban interaction Apixaban drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
ArgatrobanArgatroban
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, GLA might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet rugs.

Read the full Gamma-linolenic Acid (gla) + Argatroban interaction
AspirinAngettes 75, ASA, Asaphen, Aspirin, Caprin, Cartia +8 more
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, GLA might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet rugs.

Read the full Gamma-linolenic Acid (gla) + Aspirin interaction Aspirin drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
Aspirin, Aluminum Hydroxide, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium HydroxideAscriptin Codeine #3
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, GLA might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet rugs.

Read the full Gamma-linolenic Acid (gla) + Aspirin, Aluminum Hydroxide, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium Hydroxide interaction
Aspirin, ButalbitalAxotal
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, GLA might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet rugs.

Read the full Gamma-linolenic Acid (gla) + Aspirin, Butalbital interaction
Aspirin, Butalbital, CaffeineFiorinal
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, GLA might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet rugs.

Read the full Gamma-linolenic Acid (gla) + Aspirin, Butalbital, Caffeine interaction Aspirin, Butalbital, Caffeine drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
Aspirin, Butalbital, Caffeine, Codeine PhosphateFiorinal w/ Codeine
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, GLA might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet rugs.

Read the full Gamma-linolenic Acid (gla) + Aspirin, Butalbital, Caffeine, Codeine Phosphate interaction
Aspirin, Butalbital, Caffeine, PhenacetinMarnal
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, GLA might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet rugs.

Read the full Gamma-linolenic Acid (gla) + Aspirin, Butalbital, Caffeine, Phenacetin interaction
Aspirin, CaffeineAnacin
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, GLA might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet rugs.

Read the full Gamma-linolenic Acid (gla) + Aspirin, Caffeine interaction
Aspirin, Caffeine, Codeine PhosphateAnacin w/ Codeine
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, GLA might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet rugs.

Read the full Gamma-linolenic Acid (gla) + Aspirin, Caffeine, Codeine Phosphate interaction
Aspirin, Caffeine, Dihydrocodeine BitartrateSynalgos DC
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, GLA might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet rugs.

Read the full Gamma-linolenic Acid (gla) + Aspirin, Caffeine, Dihydrocodeine Bitartrate interaction
Aspirin, Caffeine, Dover's PwdAcedoval, Dovacet
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, GLA might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet rugs.

Read the full Gamma-linolenic Acid (gla) + Aspirin, Caffeine, Dover's Pwd interaction
Aspirin, Caffeine, HydrocodoneDamason-P
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, GLA might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet rugs.

Read the full Gamma-linolenic Acid (gla) + Aspirin, Caffeine, Hydrocodone interaction
Aspirin, Caffeine, Isobutylallylbarbituric Acid, PhenacetinLanorinal
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, GLA might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet rugs.

Read the full Gamma-linolenic Acid (gla) + Aspirin, Caffeine, Isobutylallylbarbituric Acid, Phenacetin interaction Aspirin, Caffeine, Isobutylallylbarbituric Acid, Phenacetin drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
Aspirin, Caffeine, OrphenadrineInvagesic, Invagesic Forte, Norgesic, Norgesic Forte, Orphengesic, Orphengesic Forte
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, GLA might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet rugs.

Read the full Gamma-linolenic Acid (gla) + Aspirin, Caffeine, Orphenadrine interaction
Aspirin, Caffeine, Phenacetin, PropoxypheneMargesic Comp. 65
Moderate Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, GLA might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet rugs.

Read the full Gamma-linolenic Acid (gla) + Aspirin, Caffeine, Phenacetin, Propoxyphene interaction
Read The List Like a Pharmacist

What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean

Severity — How Serious It Can Be

  • Major. Clinically significant; generally best avoided, or used only under direct professional supervision.
  • Moderate. May need monitoring, a dose adjustment, or separating the times you take each one.
  • Minor. Generally not clinically significant, but still worth noting and mentioning to your pharmacist.
  • No known interaction. Checked against our sources with nothing documented — not the same as proven safety.

Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented

  • Likely. Well-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction
  • Probable. Interaction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
  • Possible. Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
  • Unlikely. Interaction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.

Where This Data Comes From

  • Interaction records are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database (TRC Healthcare), the same reference used by pharmacists and hospitals.
  • Each drug listed above links to the full report for that exact Gamma-linolenic Acid (gla) combination — clinical detail, likelihood, evidence level, and citations.
  • Content is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.
The big picture

The kinds of drugs Gamma-linolenic Acid (gla) affects

Every type of medication (drug category) Gamma-linolenic Acid (gla) is known to interact with. Open any category for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

All 1 drug category Gamma-linolenic Acid (gla) interacts with
Anticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs
Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, GLA might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant or antiplatelet rugs.
Animal and human research suggests that GLA reduces platelet aggregation.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Monograph

Gamma-linolenic Acid (gla): Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by · Reviewed July 2026 ·
The bottom line

Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) is an omega-6 fatty acid found in oils like evening primrose and borage. It is most studied for skin conditions, joint pain, and nerve pain, but the evidence is mixed and far from conclusive. It is generally well tolerated, but talk with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or take other medicines.

Part used
Seed oil (from evening primrose, borage, or black currant seeds)
Common forms
Capsules, softgels, and oils (evening primrose oil, borage oil, black currant seed oil)
People commonly use it for
  • Eczema and dry skin
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Diabetic nerve pain
  • PMS and breast pain
  • Menopausal symptoms

Popular and traditional uses — not proof it works. See “Uses & effectiveness” below for the evidence.

Safety at a glance
OverallUse caution

Usually well tolerated, but quality and source of the oil matter and some people have side effects.

PregnancyInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Read the full pregnancy detail
BreastfeedingInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Read the full breastfeeding detail

Pregnancy & breastfeeding ratings are from Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center). Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.

Jump to a section

Overview

Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) is a type of omega-6 fatty acid that your body can make in small amounts from other fats in your diet. It is also found in higher amounts in certain plant seed oils.

The most common sources of GLA supplements are evening primrose oil, borage oil, and black currant seed oil. Borage oil tends to have the highest concentration of GLA, while evening primrose oil is the most widely used.

People take GLA supplements for a range of reasons, especially skin conditions, joint pain, hormone-related symptoms, and nerve problems linked to diabetes.

How it works

Once in the body, GLA is converted into compounds that can influence inflammation. One of these compounds may help calm certain inflammatory signals, which is the main reason researchers have looked at GLA for conditions like arthritis and eczema.

GLA is also a building block for substances involved in skin barrier function and immune signaling. In theory, supplying more GLA may support these processes.

Most of this understanding comes from laboratory and animal research, plus some human studies. The way GLA behaves in a test tube does not always translate into clear benefits in people.

Effectiveness

Does Gamma-linolenic Acid (gla) work?

Here’s what the research actually shows for each use — graded by Natural Medicines and reviewed by .

Evidence overview · 18 uses evaluated
1 Possibly effective 1 Leans ineffective 16 Insufficient evidence
How to read these evidence grades

Natural Medicines’ 7-point scale. We show each rating’s label word-for-word.

1EffectiveStrong, consistent evidence it works.
2Likely EffectiveGood evidence, though not yet conclusive.
3Possibly EffectiveSome evidence suggests a benefit.
4Possibly IneffectiveSome evidence it may not help.
5Likely IneffectiveFairly strong evidence it doesn’t help.
6IneffectiveStrong evidence it doesn’t work.
7Insufficient Reliable Evidence to RateToo little research to say either way.
Possibly Effective Diabetic neuropathy
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Clinical research suggests that oral GLA may improve nerve function and symptoms of diabetic neuropathy in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Possibly Ineffective Atopic dermatitis (eczema)
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Most research suggests that oral GLA does not improve the symptoms or severity of atopic dermatitis in children and adults.

Also studied for 16 conditions — evidence insufficient to rate
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Oral GLA has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Asthma
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Oral GLA has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Oral GLA has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Autism spectrum disorder
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there has been interest in using oral GLA for autism spectrum disorder, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of GLA for this purpose.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Back pain
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Oral GLA has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Breast cancer
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if oral GLA is beneficial in patients with breast cancer.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Hyperlipidemia
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there has been interest in using oral GLA for hyperlipidemia, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of GLA for this purpose.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Hypertension
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Oral GLA has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Mastalgia
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Oral GLA has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Menopausal symptoms
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there has been interest in using oral GLA for menopausal symptoms, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of GLA for this purpose.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Pressure ulcers
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Oral GLA has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Psoriasis
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there has been interest in using oral GLA for psoriasis, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of GLA for this purpose.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there has been interest in using oral GLA for RA, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of GLA for this purpose.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Rosacea
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if oral GLA is beneficial in patients with rosacea.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Scleroderma
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if oral GLA is beneficial in patients with scleroderma.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Ulcerative colitis
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Oral GLA has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear.

Source & disclaimer. Effectiveness ratings and evidence summaries are provided by Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) and shown as licensed. Where Natural Medicines hasn’t rated a use, HelloPharmacist’s pharmacists may add their own reviewed rating and evidence (each such entry is labeled). This is educational information, not medical advice — talk with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing a supplement.

Safety & precautions

GLA supplements are generally considered well tolerated for most adults when taken for short to moderate periods. Still, a few cautions apply.

Some borage products may contain compounds called pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can be harmful to the liver. Choose products labeled "PA-free" or "certified free of pyrrolizidine alkaloids."

People with seizure disorders should be cautious, as there have been concerns that some seed oils could lower the seizure threshold. Those with bleeding disorders or who are scheduled for surgery should also use caution, since GLA may have mild effects on bleeding.

Pregnancy: Safety has not been established, and some sources are traditionally avoided in pregnancy. It is best to avoid GLA supplements while pregnant unless your doctor advises otherwise.

Breastfeeding: There is not enough reliable information about safety, so check with your doctor or pharmacist before using it while breastfeeding.

Always tell your pharmacist or doctor about any supplements you take, especially before surgery or if you have a chronic health condition.

Side effects

GLA is usually mild on the body, but some people notice side effects, including:

  • Stomach upset, nausea, or soft stools
  • Headache
  • Belching or a fishy or oily aftertaste

Rarely, GLA from contaminated borage oil could cause liver problems because of pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Allergic reactions are possible but uncommon. Stop the supplement and seek medical care if you have signs of a serious reaction, such as trouble breathing, swelling, or a rash.

Gamma-linolenic Acid (gla): Reported Adverse Effects

Documented safety reports on Gamma-linolenic Acid (gla) from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database, shown word-for-word from the licensed record.

Orally, GLA seems to be well tolerated.

Most Common Adverse Effects:

Orally: Mild gastrointestinal adverse effects, including belching, bloating, diarrhea, dyspepsia, flatulence, nausea, and vomiting.

Reports by condition
Bleeding Hematologic

Orally, GLA might prolong bleeding time.

  1. Guivernau M, Meza N, Barja P, Roman O. Clinical and experimental study on the long-term effect of dietary gamma-linolenic acid on plasma lipids, platelet aggregation, thromboxane formation, and prostacyclin production. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty A
Diarrhea Gastrointestinal

Orally, GLA may cause mild gastrointestinal effects such as dyspepsia, nausea, bloating, vomiting, soft stools, diarrhea, flatulence, and belching.

  1. Leventhal LJ, Boyce EG, Zurier RB. Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with gammalinolenic acid. Ann Intern Med 1993;119:867-73.
  2. Zurier RB, Rossetti RG, Jacobson EW, et al. Gamma-linolenic acid treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. A randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Arthritis Rheum 1996;39:1808-17.
  3. Keen H, Payan J, Allawi J, et al. Treatment of diabetic neuropathy with gamma-linolenic acid. The gamma-Linolenic Acid Multicenter Trial Group. Diabetes Care 1993;16:8-15.
  4. Kim JH, Oh YW, Kim DH, Seo BH, Suh HS, Choi YS. A randomized, placebo-controlled trial of gamma linolenic acid as an add-on therapy to minocycline for the treatment of rosacea. Ann Dermatol 2020;32(6):466-72.
DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

Adverse-effects data: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

Dosing

There is no single official or standardized dose of GLA. The amount of GLA varies depending on the source oil, since evening primrose, borage, and black currant seed oils contain different concentrations.

Because products differ so much, the best approach is to follow the directions on the product label and choose a reputable brand. A pharmacist can help you compare products and figure out an appropriate amount for your situation.

Do not assume more is better. If you do not notice benefit after a reasonable trial, or if you have side effects, talk with your healthcare provider.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Gamma-linolenic Acid (gla) & Pregnancy

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Gamma-linolenic Acid (gla) & Breastfeeding

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

© 2026 Therapeutic Research Center

Pregnancy & lactation ratings: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

References & further reading

The 5 references that drive our Gamma-linolenic Acid (gla) monograph and interaction data, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Citations with a link open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

  1. Guivernau M, Meza N, Barja P, Roman O. Clinical and experimental study on the long-term effect of dietary gamma-linolenic acid on plasma lipids, platelet aggregation, thromboxane formation, and prostacyclin production. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty A PubMed
  2. Leventhal LJ, Boyce EG, Zurier RB. Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with gammalinolenic acid. Ann Intern Med 1993;119:867-73. PubMed
  3. Zurier RB, Rossetti RG, Jacobson EW, et al. Gamma-linolenic acid treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. A randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Arthritis Rheum 1996;39:1808-17. PubMed
  4. Keen H, Payan J, Allawi J, et al. Treatment of diabetic neuropathy with gamma-linolenic acid. The gamma-Linolenic Acid Multicenter Trial Group. Diabetes Care 1993;16:8-15.
  5. Kim JH, Oh YW, Kim DH, Seo BH, Suh HS, Choi YS. A randomized, placebo-controlled trial of gamma linolenic acid as an add-on therapy to minocycline for the treatment of rosacea. Ann Dermatol 2020;32(6):466-72. PubMed
Keep reading

This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Gamma-linolenic Acid (gla): Common Questions

What is Gamma-linolenic Acid (gla) used for, and does it work?
People use Gamma-linolenic Acid (gla) for many reasons, but the evidence varies by use. According to the Natural Medicines database, there is at least some clinical evidence supporting Gamma-linolenic Acid (gla) for Diabetic neuropathy. For most other uses it has been studied for, the evidence is currently insufficient to rate. See the graded list on this page, and always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Does Gamma-linolenic Acid (gla) interact with prescription medications?
Yes. We list 122 medications with a known interaction with Gamma-linolenic Acid (gla). Use the checker above to see how Gamma-linolenic Acid (gla) interacts with a specific drug.
How are Gamma-linolenic Acid (gla) interactions rated?
Each interaction is graded major, moderate, or minor based on how clinically significant it is and the strength of the evidence behind it. Major interactions are the most serious and are best avoided, or used only under close professional supervision.
Is it safe to take Gamma-linolenic Acid (gla) with my medications?
It depends on the specific medication. Some combinations are fine, while others call for monitoring, timing changes, or should be avoided. Check your exact drug above and confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing anything.
Where does this Gamma-linolenic Acid (gla) interaction information come from?
Our interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database — an evidence-graded reference for vitamins, herbs, and supplements — and is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists, who may add clinical context.
What is GLA used for?
People commonly take GLA for eczema and dry skin, rheumatoid arthritis, PMS and breast pain, menopause symptoms, and diabetic nerve pain. For most of these uses, the scientific evidence is mixed or limited.
Is evening primrose oil the same as GLA?
Not exactly. Evening primrose oil is one of several seed oils that contain GLA. Borage oil and black currant seed oil also contain GLA, usually in different amounts.
Is GLA safe to take?
It is generally well tolerated for most adults, with mild side effects like stomach upset being most common. However, choose quality products, and people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, have seizures, or have bleeding concerns should check with a doctor first.
Can I take GLA during pregnancy?
It is best to avoid GLA supplements during pregnancy because safety has not been established and some sources are traditionally avoided. Speak with your doctor before using it.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Where next
Supplement interaction checkerCheck any supplement or product against your medications Drug–drug interactionsCheck two or more of your medications against each other Browse medications A–ZEvery drug we’ve checked against herbs & supplements NDC & pricing lookupFind a drug’s NDCs, packaging and costs Ask a pharmacistFree, personal answer from our licensed team

Have a question about Gamma-linolenic Acid (gla)?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist